What happened
The accident occurred during a cross-country business flight when the left engine began operating roughly. Recognizing the mechanical issue, the pilot shut down the affected engine and diverted to Cotulla, Texas. Upon arrival, the pilot executed a single-engine approach and landing at the airport.
During the rollout, the aircraft was touching down with a 20-knot tailwind component. This wind condition significantly increased ground speed and reduced braking efficiency. The pilot was unable to bring the aircraft to a stop within the available runway length. Consequently, the aircraft overran the paved surface and collided with a wire fence located beyond the runway confines.
The investigation
NTSB investigators examined the accident site and reviewed the flight data. A critical factor in the severity of the incident was the weather condition at the time of landing. The presence of a 20-knot tailwind directly contributed to the excessive ground speed during the touchdown phase. This made it physically difficult for the pilot to decelerate the aircraft within the limited runway distance available.
Findings
The investigation focused on why the engine failed and how the accident unfolded. Regarding the mechanical failure, the specific cause of the rough-running left engine could not be determined after inspection. There was insufficient evidence to pinpoint a definitive mechanical fault or fuel issue that triggered the initial problem.
However, the findings clearly indicate that the decision to land with such a strong tailwind was a primary contributor to the overrun. The combination of a single-engine approach and high wind speed created a hazardous landing scenario. The pilot's inability to stop the aircraft was a direct result of these conditions exceeding the runway's stopping capability.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of wind components during landing operations. Pilots must carefully calculate ground speed and required stopping distance when encountering tailwinds. A strong tailwind can drastically reduce the effectiveness of braking and increase the risk of runway overruns, especially in single-engine scenarios where performance margins are already reduced.